'Give a Sh*t' campaign promotes young men's health

Looking to promote young men's health issues, Toronto's Planned Parenthood is launching the 'Give a Sh*t' campaign this Thursday at Harbourfront Community Centre's gym.

The event aims to help young men to get regular tests for sexually transmitted infections. The use of condoms is another goal of the campaign.

By using local talent including Blue Sky DJ Service, T-West and Matte Black Planned Parenthood hopes to be able to reach area youth.

In Canada at the end of 2006 there were 58,981 positive HIV tests. Of those positive tests over 15,700 were in the 15-29 age group. While the percentages are lower than other age groups the risk behavior data on young Canadians show the potential for transmission of STI including HIV.

"At Planned Parenthood, we can see a direct effect between education and a shift in young men's attitudes toward safer sex and testing for STI's and HIV. The Young Men's Peer Project has been successful at motivating young men to take better care of themselves thereby improving their sexual health outcomes," said Saad Hussain Director of Community Health Services in a press release.

The event runs from 6:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at 627 Queen's Quay West. It is free.